THROUGH FIRS AND HEATHER. 311 



without the least hesitation. If they find that 

 matters do not suit them they make for the open 

 sea, where they stay for a time, to return later 

 on. The gentleman whom we met said there was 

 good flight-shooting morning and evening, and that 

 a great number of the birds never saw the tide 

 again. When the red-deer roamed these wilds, 

 many of the fowl bred here, and they would do 

 so again if circumstances were in their favour. 

 Even as it is, they come where others have come 

 for ages before them ; for, independently of its being 

 within flight of tidal waters, it is within the limits 

 of one of their ancient migrating lines. These lines, 

 something tells them, they must ever follow. We 

 do not know what this law is, for it is entirely be- 

 yond our knowledge. All the scientists in the world 

 cannot read the riddle. Some unknown power 

 tells them they must follow that particular line 

 of migration or bird-travel, call it what you will, 

 and they obey the behest, braving all weathers. 

 Many of them, the large divers, drop down in the 

 heather exhausted before their haven is reached. 

 This is one of their resting-places on the way. As 



